Seminar

This research proposal outlines a study of Jupiter's auroral phenomena and its magnetospheric mechanics, leveraging the latest data and advanced numerical modeling. Jupiter's auroras, unlike Earth's, are a permanent fixture driven by a powerful internal magnetosphere that is substantially influenced by the rapid rotation of the planet and plasma contributions from its moon Io. This research aims to unravel the intricate magnetic structures and dynamics within Jupiter's auroral regions and the vast magnetosphere. The numerical simulations will be powered by the Grid Agnostic MHD for Extended Research Applications (GAMERA) code within a solar-magnetic coordinate system. This will allow for a detailed examination of the spatial and temporal dynamics underpinning Jupiter's magnetospheric processes, including the mass loading effects from Io's plasma torus and the interaction of solar wind with Jupiter's magnetic field. The anticipated outcome of this research is to understand the internal mechanisms affecting Jupiter's magnetosphere and auroras, potentially contributing to our broader knowledge of planetary sciences and magnetospheric physics. The findings could offer significant insights into the magnetospheric phenomena of gas giants, with implications for space weather prediction and the study of other astrophysical bodies with magnetic fields.

Additional information: Mr. WANG Zhengyang, u3591741@connect.hku.hk